Helen Thomas Has Retired After ‘Offensive’ Remarks About Israel

Helen Thomas, the 89-year-old Hearst columnist who has covered every administration since Eisenhower, has retired suddenly this morning.

Over the weekend video circulated of Ms. Thomas saying that Jews should “get the hell out of Palestine” in an interview during a Jewish Heritage Celebration on the White House lawn. The comments drew severe backlash from many parties, including former White House press secretary Ari Fleisher. Mr. Fleisher called for her resignation.

Robert Gibbs called her remarks “offensive and reprehensible” during this morning’s press conference. Her front row seat was already sitting empty.